



Class 
Book. 



HISTOKY 



BAPTIST INSTITUTIONS 



WASHINGTON CITY, 



iX^tM^ 



WASHINGTON, D. C: 

W. BALLANTYNE 

1867. 



HISTOEY 



BAPTIST INSTITUTIONS 



WASHINGTON CITY 






*- WASHINGTON, D. C: 
W. BALL ANT YNE. 

186T. 



\ -\\i 



**"** 



CONTENTS 



Page. 

CHURCHES — First, Thirteenth Street 7 

Second, Navy Yard n 

Central ; 15 

Old School 1G 

E Street 16 

Fourth 23 

.^-Island 23 

Calvary 25 

Georgetown 38 

Colored People's 27 

COLUMBIAN COLLEGE 28 

NATIONAL THEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE 37 

CONCLUSION 40 

ADDENDA — Periodicals, General Convention, Publication Society.. 41 



il"GILL i WITHEROW, 

Printers and Stereotypers, 
366 Est, Washington. 



f^ 



ADVERTISEMENT. 



It having become known to some of the members of the E Street Baptist 
Church, that Deacon Andrew Rothwell had been recently engaged in the col- 
lection of facts and statistics relating to the rise, progress, and present condition 
of the several Baptist Churches in Washington, as also of the literary and 
benevolent institutions established at the national capital under the auspices 
of the Baptist denomination, his brethren, by a vote of the Church to that „£ Q 
effect, requested him, at such time as might suit his convenience, to give a public 
reading of the paper he had prepared. In kindly acceding to this request, Mr. 
Rothwell designated the evening of Friday., April 26, as the time when he would 
meet his brethren for the purpose they had indicated. As it was not doubted 
that the members of the other Baptist Churches in Washington would gladly 
share in the privilege thus afforded, an invitation was extended to them on this 
behalf by the pastor and friends of the E Street Church. 

Accordingly, on the evening that had been selected, a large and intelligent 
audience was assembled in the lecture room of the E Street Church, comprising 
a ^presentation from all the Baptist Churches of Washington, (with the excep- 
tion of those exclusively organized by colored brethren,) and also from the 
Columbian College and the National Theological Institute,- in whose hearing 
Deacon Rothwell proceeded to read the historical sketch he had compiled. The 
interesting nature of his theme, and the ability with which it was treated, sus- 
tained the fixed attention of his auditors during the entire reading of the paper, 
and immediately on its conclusion the Rev. Dr. S. P. Hill rose to express the 
great gratification he had received, and to move that the thanks of the meeting 
be returned to Mr. Rothwell for the service he had done to the cause of Baptist 
Church History in Washington. Dr. Hill having further expressed the hope that 
Mr. Rothwell's paper might be published for permanent preservation, as also 
for the instruction and gratification of a wider circle, Mr. Z. Richards moved 
that the persons then present organize themselves into a meeting for the purpose 
of taking immediate action to this end, and nominated Dr. Samson, the Presi- 
dent of Columbian College, as chairman. The motion having been unanimously 
concurred in, Dr. Samson took the chair, and J. C. Welling, Esq., was appointed 
Secretary of the meeting. 

Rev. Dr. Gillette thereupon moved that a committee of five be appointed by 
the chair to report resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting as alreadv 
indicated, and the motion having been adopted, the chair appointed Dr. Gillette, 
Dr. Gray, and Messrs. Wood, Norton, and the secretary as such committee. 

The committee withdrew for a few minutes, and on returning reported the 
following resolutions : 

Resolved, That the thanks of this meeting, and of the several churches and institutions represented 
ui it, art- hereby tendered to Deacon Andrew Rothwell for his elaborate, instructive, and interest- 
ing paper on the History of the Baptist Denomination in Washington, to the reading of which we 



IV ADVERTISEMENT. 

have listened with so much satisfaction, as well as with admiration, no less for the signal ability 
evinced in the judicious treatment of his theme, than for the research and intelligence displayed 
in the collection and arrangement of its several topics. 

Resolved, That a copy of the paper be requested at the hands of Deacon Rothwell for publication, 
with any additions which he may, in his discretion, deem suited to the scope and design of his 
review, and that we most sincerely hope that this valuable contribution to the history of our 
churches and literary institutions may find among the members and friends of both the wide dis- 
semination to which it is entitled, as a record of what God has graciously wrought for us in the 
past, and as an earnest of tVie higher achievements to which we are pledged in the future by simple 
fidelity to the Master, and in simple reliance in the divine blessing. 

The resolutions were unanimously adopted ; and, on motion of Mr. J. S. Poler, 
the committee by whom they had been reported were continued, with instruc- 
tions to confer with Deacon Rothwell on the subject, and to act in conjunction 
with him in giving effect to the wishes of the meeting. 

Messrs. Richards, Force, Dulin, Beard, and Yeatman were appointed a com- 
mittee to raise funds in their respective churches for the purpose of defraying 
the expenses that may attend the contemplated publication. 

The meeting then adjourned after the singing of the Doxology, and with the 
benediction by the Rev. Dr. J. S. Bacon, ex-President of Columbian College. 



INTRODUCTION 



Whilst every Christian of liberal and enlarged views is pro- 
foundly interested in the general work of the promulgation of 
gospel truth by the several divisions of the Church, he is more 
especially concerned for its advancement through the agency 
and in accordance with the peculiar doctrines and forms of 
worship of the section to which he is himself attached. 

"Whatever may hereafter be developed in the onward course 
of time, and the progress of human events, in regard to the 
removal of barriers, the abrogation of sects, and the consequent 
closing up and entire union of the hitherto partially separated 
ranks of the great army of the militant church, it is generally 
conceded that any disadvantages which may result from the 
separate action of the several corps, are more than counter- 
balanced by the greater degree of energy, and, it may be hoped, 
not improper emulation, which impels them onward in the 
great work of the evangelization of men, and the conversion 
of souls. 

As upon the world's wide and extended theatre, a knowledge 
of the past, with its chief actors and progressive changes, is 
deemed an essential attainment to the historian, the philos- 
opher, and the scholar, so, in reference to the interests of the 
Redeemer's earthly kingdom, is it incumbent on the Christian 
and the philanthropist, that he should possess all attainable 
knowledge and information relative to the more momentous 
and essential matters to which his life is devoted and his labors 
pledged ; not omitting to inform himself likewise respecting 
important details of associated action. 

The man of advanced years has been an observer of persons 
and events, and is often disposed to entertain others by a re- 
cital of his cherished recollections. He is liable to forget that 
the importance which he attaches to such reminiscences may 
not always be made as apparent to younger listeners, who are 
looking forward, and intent on making their own history. 

This tendency to retrospection and historical narration is 
doubtless a beneficent arrangement of divine Providence. 
2 



I 



6 INTRODUCTION. 

In all education, experience renders an important service. 
"Thou shalt remember all the way in which the Lord thy God 
has led thee." "One generation shall praise thy works to 
another." The past is thus brought forward into the present, 
and the stream of tradition is kept running. 

If it be an ordering of Providence that every generation 
shall create a portion of history, it is equally intended that 
every generation shall convey to its successor whatever may 
be worthy of transmission. It is, therefore, well for every form 
of organized society to pause occasionally and devote itself to 
a review of the past, recalling whatever of persons and events 
may be worthy of recollection, and placing on record so much 
of the gathered results as ought to be preserved. 

Since, in the order of Providence, one generation succeeds 
another with ever hasty and rapid steps, and the active and 
laborious man of to-day must soon give place to his successor, 
and as to-morrow he may not be found at his accustomed post, 
it is due to those who follow him that his work be, as far as 
practicable, completed, and his record made. Although the 
lapse of threescore years measures but a moment of time in 
the world's long calendar, it brings many and great changes, 
not only in the life of man, but also in the condition of com- 
munities as well as of associated bodies. 

A concise history of the Baptist denomination in the city 
of Washington, with a narration of the rise and progress of 
each of our churches, it has been supposed would be accepta- 
ble especially to the many younger members of our congrega- 
tions. 

The history of these churches begins almost simultaneously 
with the establishment of the seat of Government at Washing- 
ton. 



FIRST CHURCH. 



First in the order of time is the "First Baptist Church," 
■which is now located on Thirteenth street. 

This Church was organized on the 7th of March, 1802, the 
following-named six persons being the constituent members: 
Charles P. Polk, Cephas Fox, Charles Rogers, John Buchan, 
Joseph Borrows, and Sarah Borrows. 

The following-named persons had united with the Church up 
to 1820, viz : 



Caleb Jeffers, 
Susannah Jeffers, 
Jane Watson, 
Hannah Jones, 
Nancy Craven, 
Hannah Usti'ck, 
Thomas Us tick, 
..^Elizabeth Borrows, 
Hannah Foxton, 
Thomas LeTellier, 
Job Haigh, 
Elizabeth Haigh, 
Bartleson Fox, 
Martha Rouse, 
Clement Boswell, 
Joseph Huddleston, 
Thomas Carpenter, 
Mary Carpenter, 
Mary Gayer, 
Anne Minifie, 
Isabella Craven, 
Hervey Bestor, 
Obadiah B. BrownT} 
Jacob Hoyle, 
Richard Gaines, 
Peter Knight, 
Elizabeth Fox, 
Edward Langley, 
Nancy Langley, 
Isaac Clarke, 
Eleanor Davis, 
Polly Fox, 
Elizabeth Hunt, 
Margaret Duckworth, 
Jeremiah Hunt, 
Nathan Cornwell, 
Eleanor Stillions, 
Elizabeth Brown, 
Mrs. Greenfield, 
Sarah Gaines, 
Ann Warner, 
Mary Wells, 



Charlotte Hubbard, 
Ann Sherwood, 
Joseph Gibson, 
Margaret Gibson, 
Daniel Campbell, 
Margaret Campbell, 
Enoch Reynolds, 
Mary McChesney, 
Greenbury Gaither, 
Elizabeth Kilton, 
Margaret Brumley, 
Eliza Ellison, 
Elizabeth Reed, 
Oliver C. Comstock, 
Samuel Wallace, 
Catharine Norvell, 
Rebecca Pickerell, 
Spencer H. Cone, 
Thomas Huddleston, 
David Stewart, 
Mary Pickerell, 
Mary Ott, 
Elizabeth Smoot, 
Anne McKerraher, 
Rebecca Hunt, 
Catharine Wilson, 
Margaret McCutchin, 
Mary Ann Wallace, 
Elizabeth McCutchin, 
Elizabeth McDaniel, 
Rachel Hoagland, 
Sarah Reynolds, 
Anne Riley, 
Maria Diggs, 
Ruth Lord, 
Charles Bell, 
Joseph Jones, 
Joseph Thaw, 
Solomon Stewart, 
Samuel Smoot, 
Daniel Brown, 
Phebe Brown, 



William Paradise, 
Charles Polkinhorn, 
Polly Brown, 
Anne Polk, \ 
Patrick Rogers, 
Elizabeth Mayfield, 
Robert Polk, 
Barbary Lee, , 
Mary Ann Jeffers, 
Eliza Danfield,' 
Mary Carvico, 
Robert Thompson, 
Mary Henzey, 
Ann Levering, 
Charlotte Hawkins, 
Sarah Webber' 
Mary Eleanor Jones, 
Barbary Willet Nevitt, 
Catharine Pack, 
Jane Bartlet, 
Eleanor Dewees, ** 
Sarah Ann Bell, 
Elizabeth Dodds, 
Mary Chamberlain, 
Francis Dormans, 
Rebecca C. Dormans, 
Mary C. Brown, 
Catharine Webber, 
Julia Dement, 
William Sedwick, 
Henry Bishop, 
Joanna Bishop, 
Leonard Fletcher, 
Ira D. Love* 
Robert W. Cushman, 
Luther Rice, 
John Easter, 
Isabella Owen, 
Nancy Radcliffe, 
Robert P. Anderson, 
Lydia Anderson, 
John S. Meehan, 



8 



BAPTIST HISTORY 



Barbara Osborn, 
Elizabeth Osborn, 
Joseph Cooper, 
Sarah Cooper, 
James Redman, 
Martha Redman, 



Mary Harris, 
John Armstrong, 
George Wood, 
Mary Wood, 
Mary Ann Wood, 
Jacob Creath, 



Henrietta Taylor, 
Betsy Burke, 
W T illiam Coudry, 
James D. Knowles, 
Nicholas Thompson, 
Baron Stow. 



At this date (1802) Congress was in session for the second 
time in Washington. The city had not been incorporated, 
and contained less than four thousand inhabitants. F street 
was then the principal thoroughfare. Pennsylvania avenue 
was an unimproved road, of difficult passage, and was in some 
parts washed by the daily tides of the Tiber. 

The first preaching was supplied and the ordinances admin- 
istered for the Church, by Rev. William Parkinson, then Chap- 
lain to Congress. 

Immediately following the organization of the Church, meas- 
ures were taken to provide a house for worship, and in the 
succeeding autumn a new meeting-house, on the corner of I 
and Nineteenth streets, was prepared and occupied for public 
services. 

For five years the Church was without a pastor. In January, 
1807, an invitation to the pastoral charge was given to Rev. 
Obadiah B. Brown, of New Jersey, who entered upon his duties 
on the 21st of February. The Church at this time had in- 
creased to twenty-three members. This pastoral connection 
continued for forty-three years. 

In the limited space allotted to the present purpose, a small 
number only of the more interesting incidents in the many 
years' history of the Church can be mentioned. 

In 1814, Oliver C. Comstock, while a member of Congress 
from New York, was baptized and received as a member of 
this Church, and was licensed to preach the gospel. In 1819 
he was ordained to the ministry by this Church, and relin- 
quished political life for the office of an evangelist of Christ. 

Spencer H. Cone, having abandoned the stage, and made a 
profession of religion, in Baltimore, in 1815 removed to this 
city; was licensed, and subsequently ordained by this Church, 
and soon after became pastor of the Baptist Church in Alex- 
andria. 

Henry W. Dodge, of Virginia, was also ordained by this 
Church in 1840. 

The Church building having been standing for many years, 
and being of insufficient dimensions, it was found desirable to 
provide a new one in a more central location. Accordingly, 
in 1833, a new edifice was erected for the Church on Tenth 
street, on the site now occupied by the building lately known 



FIRST CHURCH. 9 

as Ford's Theatre, now the Surgeon General's Department 
and United States Medical Museum. 

Soon after the removal to Tenth street the colored members, 
having become a numerous band, a large proportion of them 
were formed into a separate organization at the old meeting- 
house at the corner of Nineteenth and I streets, which they 
have since improved and still occupy, as an efficient body, 
known as the First Colored Baptist Church of Washington. 

In the edifice on Tenth street the Church continued to wor- 
ship until September, 1859, when, in pursuance of arrange- 
ments made with the Fourth Church, on Thirteenth street, 
the First Church took possession of their building, the mem- 
bers of the Fourth Church uniting with them. 

In 1850, Rev. 0. B. Brown, being in declining life, resigned 
the pastoral charge which he had so long held. In accepting 
his resignation, resolutions were unanimously passed by the 
Church expressing the affection and respect which the members 
entertained for him. 

According to its ability the Church has always liberally and 
cheerfully contributed to benevolent and missionary objects. 
Its pulpit has occasionally been occupied by nearly all the 
eminent ministers of the denomination of the several States, 
and on its list of members are recorded the names of Cone, 
Rice, Cushman, Knowles, Howell, Stow, Chapin, Dodge, and 
others, known and beloved amongst the churches. 

The Church has had its seasons of joy as well as of sorrow. 
The hearts of pastor and people have often been made glad 
by abundant blessings ; at other times they have mourned the 
absence of any special tokens of divine favor. In 1816 the 
number of baptisms was large ; also, in 1839 and 1843, the 
Church enjoyed precious seasons of revival and increase ; and 
since that period additions have been made every year. 

The second pastor was Rev. Stephen P. Hill, D. D., who 
entered upon his duties in October, 1850. His connection 
and labors with the Church were highly conducive to its prog- 
ress and growth. When the Church removed to Thirteenth 
street, in 1859, the pastor of the Fourth Church, Rev. Isaac 
Cole, became joint pastor with Dr. Hill. 

This arrangement terminated in 1860, when Rev. Dr. Sam- 
son, President of the Columbian College, accepted the pastoral 
charge, which, for the purpose of assisting the Church, he filled 
without salary for about three years. 

In February, 1862, a serious loss occurred to the Church in 
the partial destruction of their edifice on Thirteenth street by 



10 BAPTIST HISTORY. 

a tempest, which caused damage to a very large amount, and 
rendered the building for a long time untenantable. 

Being thus deprived of a place of worship — which depriva- 
tion was further prolonged for a number of months by the 
occupancy of their partially repaired house as an army hos- 
pital — the Church accepted the kind invitation of the Presby- 
terian Church in their vicinity (Rev. Dr. Gurley's) to use their 
house a part of the time, which they continued to do until they 
regained possession and completed the repairs of their own 
edifice. By this kind act the Presbyterian brethren recipro- 
cated a similar accommodation which the Baptist Church had 
accorded to them, a few years previous, when their edifice was 
in course of erection. 

The Church acknowledge their indebtedness to Rev. Dr. 
Samson for his ministerial labors during this long season of 
trial, and also for his efficient aid in procuring means to rebuild 
the Church edifice. 

The Church had held connection with the former Baltimore 
Association. In 1820 it withdrew from that body, and, unit- 
ing with other churches in the District and in Virginia, con- 
stituted the Columbia Association, which afterwards united 
with the Salem Union, forming the Potomac Association, with 
which the Church is now united. 

Rev. A. D. Gillette, D. D., accepted the call of the Church 
to the pastorate, and entered upon his labors about the close 
of the year 1863, which have been successfully continued to 
the present time. 

The present number of members is two hundred and fifty. 

The Sunday School of this Church was commenced about 
the year 1819, and was the first one established in this city. 
It was for some years conducted as a Union school, the teachers 
being of different denominations. The colored children were 
also admitted to a separate part of the school, and were in- 
structed and cared for. 
Present number of Sunday School officers and teachers, 13. 
" " " scholars, - - 175. 



SECOND OR NAVY YARD CHURCH. 

The constitution of this Church took place on the 3d day of 
June,' 1810, as a "Regular Baptist Church." 

The constituent members were five in number, viz, Bartle- 
son Fox, Clement Boswell, Harvey Bestor, Joseph Borrows, 
and Sarah Borrows. 

Up to the year 1820 the following additional members united 
with the Church, viz : Sarah Hoyle, Rachel Dunn, Sarah 
Davis, Margaret Gillam, Susan Ingram, Hannah Howard, 
Samuel Fowler, Cephas Fox, Elizabeth Fox, Polly Fox, James 
B. Edmonson, Sarah Edmonson, Eleanor Boswell, Maria Mid- 
dleton, Elizabeth Prime, Ann H. Fowler, Eliza Byrne, Mary 
O'Brien, Samuel Hilton, Elizabeth Hilton, Brooke Edmonson, 
Deborah Edmonson, James Simpson, Abraham Williams, Mary 
Edmonson, Mary Harris, James Osbourne, William Sedwick, 
Thomas Barton, Ellen Barton, William Gordon, Susan Borrows, 
Jonathan Criddle, Eliza Peck, Thomas G. Prettyman r and 
Jacobina McCutcheon. 

The constituting council consisted of Elders Jeremiah Moore, 
William Grimstead, and Robert Latham, all of Virginia. 

The services took place in McLeod's school-house, near the 
Navy Yard, where meetings were for a time subsequently held. 

Measures were immediately taken to provide a suitable place 
of meeting, which resulted in the erection of a small frame 
building near the corner of Fourth and G streets, a short dis- 
tance north of the present location. This place of worship was 
occupied in September, 1810. The opening sermon was 
preached by Elder Moore, who officiated statedly one Sunday 
in each month. In October four persons were added by bap- 
tism. Prayer meetings were regularly maintained. 

In 1811, Elder Toler, of Virginia, preached statedly one 
Sunday in each month. In September, this entry was made 
upon the record: "Lord's Supper administered by Elder Toler; 
twenty-three communicants present, with visiting friends. It 
was felt to be a good season, in which brethren and friends 
could with thankful hearts rejoice in the goodness of the great 
Head of the Church, being all of one accord, 'with Christ 
within the doors.' " 

In 1814, Spencer H. Cone, then a clerk in the Treasury 
Department, preached his first sermon in the meeting-house of 
this Church, and acquired great notoriety immediately as one 
of the most eloquent preachers of the times, and the next year 
was elected Chaplain to Congress. 



12 BAPTIST HISTORY. 

During the years 1815 to 1818, the Church was supplied 
statedly one Sunday in each month by Elders William Wilson 
and Plummer Watters, and others. 

In 1819, Rev. Thomas Barton accepted the pastoral charge, 
which he filled until 1824. 

In 1822-3, the Church was engaged in erecting a brick meet- 
ing-house on the present site, corner of Virginia avenue and 
Fourth street east. The new house was first occupied in July, 
1823. ' 

The Church at this date manifested its missionary spirit by 
instituting regular quarterly collections for domestic missions. 

In 1824, Mr. Barton was succeeded by Rev. S. W. Lynd, 
who occupied until 1826, when Rev. Rollin H. Neale, then a 
student at Columbian College, became the stated supply. 

In 1827, Mr. Neale ceased his connection with the college, 
accepted ordination, and became pastor of the Church. His 
pastorate continued until June, 1830, when he resigned. Under 
his labors the Church enjoyed much prosperity and received 
many members. Up to this date, plain benches had been used 
for seats. Slips were now put in, and galleries erected. 

In 1828, the number of members was one hundred, as re- 
ported to the Association. Charles Polkinhorn, a member, 
was licensed to preach. 

In 1829, several members were dismissed to form the Shiloh 
Church (old school,) on the Island. 

In 1831-2 the pulpit was supplied by different ministers, 
among them Rev. Dr. Chapin, Rev. John Maginnis, and occa- 
sionally by students from the college. In 1833 Rev. Mr. 
Woolford was pastor. 

In 1834 to 1836 Rev. B. F. Brabrook filled the pastoral 
office. In 1834 the Church withdrew from the old Baltimore 
Association, a majority of that body having repudiated all 
forms of religious and benevolent effort. , 

In 1836 the following resolution was passed by the Church: 

"Whereas, we understand that one or more of the churches 
in Maryland contemplate forming a new Association recog- 
nizing the duty and importance of evangelical effort: 

"Resolved, That the Navy Yard Church concur in such a 
project, believing that it will be to the glory of God, and the 
advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom in this region." 

Delegates were appointed, who attended the proposed meet- 
ing in Baltimore. The Maryland Baptist Union Association 
was then formed, and the Church was one of the six which 
united in the formation. The number of members in the six 
churches was under four hundred. The Association now num- 



SECOND OR NAVY YARD CHURCH. 13 

bers thirty-nine churches, and four thousand eight hundred 
and forty-three members. 

The Church continues its connection with the Association, 
and has been indebted to that body for occasional assistance 
in the support of the ministry. 

In 1837—8, Rev. 0. C. Park was pastor. The practice of 
the Church was to call a pastor for one year only, subject to 
renewal. 

A Sunday School had been established as far back as 1823. 
In 1838 this entry is found upon the record: 

66 Resolved, That we will adopt and maintain the Sunday 
School taught in this house, so far as we may be able, and that 
a standing committee be appointed to manage the affairs of 
the school." 

In 1839-40, Rev. N. A. Purify filled the pastoral office. In 
1840 forty-two persons united with the Church by baptism. 

In 1841, Rev. Emerson Andrews, evangelist, occupied the 
pulpit for several months. Continuous meetings were held for 
many weeks. The Church was much revived, and forty-eight 
members were added by baptism. 

The pulpit was supplied for short seasons by Rev. W. Laws 
and Rev. Mr. Havens. 

Rev. Abner Webb was pastor in 1842. In March of this 
year the following record was made : 

"After an explanation and a full view of the object and 
motives of some of our members in forming a new interest in 
the city, made by Brother Rothwell, the following resolution 
was unanimously adopted: 

"Resolved, That the arrangements which have been made 
for holding meetings in the central part of the city meet the 
approbation of the Church." 

In May thirteen members were dismissed to form the Third 
or E Street Church. 

In 1843 the pulpit was supplied by Rev. W. Laws and Rev. 
T. W. Tobey. The Church voted to ordain deacons. This 
year thirty-six were added by baptism. 

In 1844, Rev. N. B. Tindall was pastor. A series of meet- 
ings was held with the aid of Rev. E. Andrews. Twenty were 
added by baptism. 

In 1845-6, Rev. C. R. Hendrickson was pastor for one year, 
and Rev. J. A. Davis supplied for some months. 

In 1847, Rev. V. Palen was pastor, and Rev. W. Laws in 
1848-9. In 1848 dismissions were granted to a number of 
members to form the Second Colored Baptist Church. 

In 1849-50, Rev. Gr. Bradford occupied the pastorate, and 



14 BAPTIST HISTORY. 

Rev. E. Andrews assisted in a series of meetings. Nineteen 
were baptized. 

In 1851 the pulpit was supplied by Rev. Mr. Collins. There 
was much interest in the Church, and fifty-three were added 
by baptism. 

In 1852 to 1855, Rev. Isaac Cole held the pastoral charge. 
The Church prospered, and was much increased in numbers 
and efficiency. The Church building had become much decayed 
and out of repair, and it was determined to build a new edifice 
on the same site. Accordingly, in February, 1853, a building 
committee was appointed, and soon after the work was com- 
menced under the direction of Brother Robert Clark, builder. 

In June, 1855, the new house was occupied, and the building 
committee reported that they had executed the work assigned 
them according to a plan prepared by J. C. Harkness, Esq., 
architect. 

The report commends the contractor for his promptness in 
completing the work within less than one year after its com- 
mencement, and putting more work upon it than was stipulated. 

The contract amount for the building was $5,000, with the 
old materials, and the whole sum, within less than $500, had 
been already collected and paid. 

The report also commends the pastor for the great and suc- 
cessful exertions which he had made in collecting funds, and 
also for advancing to the contractor the balance due. 

In July, 1855, Dr. Cole resigned the pastoral charge, and 
Rev. T. W. Greer became pastor, and continued until October, 
1859. In 1854-5-6, ninety-three were added by baptism. 

In 1857 measures were taken to procure a parsonage, and 
a house on Fourth street was purchased for $2,000. 

In 1857-8, under the pastorate of Mr. Greer, one hundred 
and forty-four were added by baptism. 

In 1860, Rev. R. A. Mallory was pastor, and was succeeded 
by Rev. B. H. Benton, who resigned in April, 1862, when the 
pulpit was supplied for short seasons by Rev. Mr. Porter and 
Rev. J. Hammet. 

In 1862, Rev. W. T. Johnson, after supplying for a season, 
accepted the pastoral charge, which he held until May, 1865. 
In 1864-5, fifty-eight were baptized. Upon the occasion of 
Mr." Johnson's installation deacons were ordained. 

In October, 1863, a happy reunion took place in a public 
manner between the Church, and nineteen of its former mem- 
bers, who several years previous had withdrawn and had 
held separate worship. Their return was a source of mutual 
pleasure. 



CENTRAL CHURCH. 15 

In 1865, the Sunday School presented to the Church the 
sum of $300, to aid in making improvements. 

In October, 1865, the present pastor, Rev. John Bray, en- 
tered upon his duties. 

In addition to the ministers above named, the following are 
mentioned upon the records as having occasionally supplied 
the pulpit, some of them for weeks together, viz : Jacob 
Creath, William Sedwick, Mr. Leland, J. H. Jones, Rev. Dr. 
Chapin, J. S. Walthall, T. D. Herndon, A. M. Poindexter, B. 
F. Hall, A. B. Smith, S. C. Boston, Rev. Dr. Bacon, Mr. 
Turpin, G. F. Adams, and T. W. Sydnor. 

The names of the following brethren, now successful minis- 
ters of the gospel, are found upon the list of former mem- 
bers, viz: Baron Stow, A. B. Smith, S. B. Swaim, and Thomas 
D. Anderson. 

One of the principal supporters of the church in former 
years was the late John Davis, of Abel, who for nearly half a 
century worshiped with them, and during many of the latter 
years of his life was a member and office-bearer. His hos- 
pitable dwelling was always free for the accommodation of 
ministers and others, and his means were generously contrib- 
uted in aid of the Church and other objects of benevolence. 
His widow yet survives, having been a member with them 
during the long space of fifty-five years, and outlives all her 
early associates and fellow-members. 

The Church is now entirely free from debt, and self-sus- 
taining. 

Present number of members, 205 

" " Sunday School officers and teachers, 36 

" " " " scholars, - - 235 



CENTRAL CHURCH. 

In 1826, an effort was commenced, principally by members 
of the First Church, to form a new interest in the central 
part of the city. 

In 1827 they were formally constituted and recognized by 
a council of ministers, under the name of the Central Baptist 
Church, of Washington, and Rev. George F. Adams was 
ordained as their pastor, who continued to serve them for two 
years. 

A site for a meeting-house was selected, and partial pay- 
ment made for it, on the square now occupied by the General 
Post Office. Their meetings were held for several years in 



16 BAPTIST HISTORY. 

the City Hall, and afterwards in a temporary building on 
Ninth street. 

The organization was maintained until the beginning of 
the year 1835, when it was formally dissolved, handing over 
to the First Church, (which had now removed to Tenth street,) 
the small amount of means which remained. 

The Church was constituted with thirteen members. The 
number at the time of the dissolution was thirty, who united 
with other churches. 



OLD SCHOOL CHURCH. 

About the year 1827, the Old School Baptists effected an 
organization in Washington. 

They erected a meeting-house on Virginia avenue, near 
Four-and-a-half street, where for a number of years they 
enjoyed the ministry of one of their brethren, Elder Charles 
Polkinhorn, and others. 

In 1858, they disposed of their meeting-house to the Island 
Baptist Church. 

Last year they erected a new edifice on Massachusetts 
avenue, near Tenth street, where they now worship. 



E STREET CHURCH. 

Measures having in view the formation of an additional 
Church in the central part of the city were entered upon in 
the year 1841, principally by members of the Nav^ Yard 
Church, by holding meetings in private houses. In February, 
1842, a public hall was rented and suitably furnished, in which 
regular public services and Sunday School were commenced, 
and thereafter constantly maintained, with such ministerial 
aid as could from time to time be procured. 

The first public service was held on the 6th of March, on 
which day sermons were preached by Rev. Kendall Brooks, 
of the Columbian College, Rev. Abner Webb, Pastor of Navy 
Yard Church, and Rev. G. F. Adams, then of Baltimore, whose 
discourse was upon Psalm cxxvi: 6: "He that goeth forth 
and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again 
with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." 

The first regular supply was Rev. Kendall Brooks. Rev. 
M. B. Anderson, now of Rochester, also supplied the pulpit 
for a season. 



E STREET CHURCH. 17 

In June, 1842, with the view to the constitution of a Church, 
a council was convened, consisting of ministers of Washington, 
Baltimore, Philadelphia, Boston, and Richmond, who, after full 
inquiry, approved of the proposed enterprise, and appointed a 
committee of their body, under whose direction the recogni- 
tion took place on the 6th of October ensuing, with the fol- 
lowing-named twenty-one constituent members, viz, Robert P. 
Anderson, Lydia Anderson, Martha D. Anderson, Andrew 
Rothwell, Ann Rothwell, William Mann, Mary Ann Mann, 
Elizabeth Hughes, Rebecca Burkitt, Charlotte Garrett, Mary 
Garner, Ann M. Upperman, Ann Collins, Eleanor Dewees, 
Catharine Dulin, Betsy Owens, Elizabeth Thompson, James E. 
Fowler, Elmira Fowler, Thomas Fowler, and Sydney French. 

The name then taken was the " Third Baptist Church of 
Washington." 

The enterprise was undertaken with earnestness, and with 
much prayerful solicitude, as is manifested by entries made 
in the diary of one of the participants. At the time of the 
commencement the following entry is found : "Our intention 
is forthwith to commence a Sunday School, and to use all 
proper means to build up an interest, and form and establish 
a church of praying and laboring Christians, and if we know 
our hearts, our sole desire is to promote the glory of God and 
the salvation of souls, being satisfied that with these ends in 
view, our own hearts will be made better, and our spirituality 
be advanced." 

At a subsequent elate the following entry occurs: "In view 
of the magnitude of our undertaking, and of our feebleness and 
insufficiency, our minds are much exercised. Hope and fear 
alternately prevail. Upon God we must rely, praying without 
ceasing, and laboring in season and out of season." 

A few weeks later the following entry is found, showing 
that there was solicitude for the salvation of the young, and 
how encouraging was the smallest evidence of divine favor : 
"We have reason to believe that the minds of two or three of 
the Sunday School children are moved in reference to repent- 
ance and salvation, and our prayers are oifered that the hand 
of the Lord will be made manifest in our midst, and that souls 
may be converted." 

In September, seven months after the beginning of stated 
public worship, this entry occurs in the diary : " Up to this 
time our appointed meetings have been regularly maintained, 
viz, two services on the Sabbath, and on Thursday evenings in 
the Hall, also prayer meetings on Tuesday evenings at Brother 
Mann's, and female prayer meetings at the same place on Fri- 



18 BAPTIST HISTORY. 

day afternoons. The monthly concert of prayer for missions 
is to-morrow evening to be held at Brother Anderson's." 

The Church had invited the Rev. Jacob Knapp, evangelist, 
to labor with them for a season, and in January, 1843, a series 
of meetings was commenced with his aid, which were held in 
the Assembly Room on Louisiana avenue, and were continued 
daily for nearly three months, during which time more than 
one hundred persons were added to the Church by baptism. 

The high degree of religious interest which at that time 
prevailed in the Church extended to neighboring churches, to 
several of which large additions were made, and much Chris- 
tian cordiality was exhibited towards our infant Church. Being 
under the necessity of vacating the Assembly Room while Mr. 
Knapp remained with us, upon invitation of the authorities of 
the First Presbyterian Church, our meetings were transferred 
to their edifice, where their pastor, Rev. Mr.. Rich, with many 
of his people, cordially united with us in continuing daily 
meetings for several weeks. 

In May, 1843, after the close of the continuous meetings, 
this entry occurs in the diary: "The past winter and spring 
has been a season of extraordinary religious interest and effort 
in our city. Many of the churches have received large addi- 
tions, and many persons attribute much of the whole influence 
to Mr. Knapp's fervent and earnest preaching, which attracted 
crowds of people night after night." 

At this time, one year and a half after the organization of 
the Church, its membership had increased to one hundred and 
sixty. 

Up to this date all efforts of the Church to obtain a pastor 
had proved fruitless. 

In April, 1843, an invitation to the pastoral charge was 
given to Rev. George W. Samson, then a student at Newton 
Theological Institution, who had previously visited the Church, 
which, after some delay, was accepted, and wate commenced on 
the 1st of September, when his ordination took place in the 
First Baptist Church. 

The young pastor's work was entered upon with commend- 
able spirit, and was constantly and energetically prosecuted 
during the many years of his pastorate, so that the Church and 
Sunday School steadily arose and increased in numbers and 
efficiency, and within a comparatively short time found and 
long maintained a position of influence and power. 

During Dr. Samson's pastorate enlarged views of Christian 
activity and benevolence were inculcated, and to a co sider- 
able extent were carried into effect by the Church. The great 



E STREET CHURCH. 19 

subject of Christian missions, home and foreign, was kept in 
view, and liberal and regular aid afforded. The Church every 
year contributed generously to religious and benevolent ob- 
jects, and in 1857 they reported to the Association that the 
amount of these benefactions for that year exceeded the sum 
of $1,000, besides the support of the Church. 

During a number of the earlier years of the Church, neigh- 
borhood prayer meetings were maintained, and even out-door 
preaching was not omitted. In the then destitute locality, 
east of Judiciary Square, called English Hill, a preaching- 
stand was established by the side of the open fence, and was 
frequently occupied by the pastor on Sunday afternoons;, and 
by that means the wayfaring man and the poor had the gos- 
pel preached to them, and many were drawn to the Church 
and to the Sunday School. 

After removing from the Masonic Hall, the church for more 
than a year worshiped in the City Hall. 

In October, 1843, a union meeting with the Navy Yard 
Church was held at the meeting-house of the latter, for the 
ordination of the deacons of the two Churches — the two pas- 
tors, Samson and Tindall, conducting the exercises. 

With the view of preparing for the erection of a Church 
edifice, a building committee was appointed in March, 1843, 
under whose direction the present site was selected and the 
building commenced. The corner stone was laid on the 28th 
of June following, on which occasion a discourse was deliv- 
ered bj Rev. J. L. Burrows, D. D., then of Philadelphia. The 
"work was prosecuted with so much success that on the 7th of 
April, 1844, worship was commenced in the basement of the 
Church. 

Owing to deficiency of means, the further progress of the 
Work upon the building was then suspended. After a year's 
delay, a loan was obtained from Rev. Franklin Wilson, of 
Baltimore, when the work was resumed and the building com- 
pleted; and on the 1st of August, 1846, the audience-room was 
occupied, and the edifice was formally dedicated, on which 
occasion a sermon was delivered by Rev. George B. Ide, D. D., 
then of Philadelphia. 

When the location was determined and occupied, the former 
name of "Third Church" was changed, by resolution, to that 
of "E Street Baptist Church, of Washington." 

During Dr. Samson's pastorate he was absent one year, in 
1847-8, on a tour to the East, during -which time the pulpit 
was supplied by Rev. Dr. Cushman. 

In 1850, Dr. Samson resigned the pastoral charge. After 



20 BAPTIST HISTORY. 

filling another position for nearly two years, in 1852 he 
accepted the unanimous invitation of the Church to return. 
His services were then resumed, and continued until October, 
1859, when he became President of the College. 

During the second interval of Dr. Samson's absence, the 
church was without a pastor, and the pulpit was supplied 
successively by Rev. Drs. Binney, Cushman, and Teasdale. 

Up to this time the Church had been encumbered with a 
large debt, which had been contracted in the erection of the 
building. Dr. Samson was unwilling longer to continue under 
such a burden, and he immediately entered upon measures for 
its removal, by soliciting means at home and abroad. His 
efforts were crowned with success, and in a few months after 
his return the debt was entirely removed. 

In the summer of 1859 the Church had an opportunity to 
reciprocate the kindness which had been manifested towards 
them, in their infant feebleness, by the First Presbyterian 
Church, who were now rebuilding their edifice, and were 
deprived of its use. They accepted the invitation of the E 
Street Church, and united with them in worship for ti number 
of weeks, the two pastors preaching alternately. At the close 
of this arrangement, the following communication was received 
from the First Presbyterian Church, through their pastor, Rev. 
Dr. Sunderland: 

Washington, December 30, 1859. 
To the Pastor of the E Street Baptist Church : 

Dear Beothee: Permit me, for myself and my congregation, in retiring 
from the arrangement for public worship so kindly proffered us by you and 
your Church, and so happily continued between us, to present to you the follow- 
ing action of oar Session, and ask that it may be read to your people on the 
coming Sabbath, viz: 

"That, in the name of the Church and congregation we represent, we do 
hereby tender our most hearty thanks to the pastor and people of the E Street 
Baptist Church for this manifestation of their favor. And while, in view of 
the grateful spirit of union and love which the occasion has called forth, we 
regret the necessity w r hich, under the circumstances, dictates the separation, we 
shall still cherish the pleasing associations of the days when 'we took sweet 
counsel together, and walked to the house of God in company;' and, in assur- 
ing our brethren of our readiness, at any future time, so far as in us lies, to 
reciprocate their kindness, we would also express the hope that this fraternal 
spirit may actuate us all more and more until that perfect day when we shall 
have need no longer of ' temples made with hands,' but shall all ' be clothed 
upon with our house which is from heaven.' 

"(Signed) 0. C. "Wight, 

" Clerk of Session." 

The pastorate of Dr. Samson was immediately succeeded 
by that of Rev. J. S. Kennard, which commenced in October, 
1859, and terminated in May, 1862. 

In 1860 a considerable improvement was made upon the 



E STREET CHURCH. 21 

Church edifice. The building, as originally erected, stood 
back five feet from the building line, presenting a simple gable 
to the street, with inconvenient entrances and stairways. The 
whole front was now rebuilt, under the direction of T. U. 
Walter, Esq., architect, who was then a member of the Church, 
at a very considerable expense, a large part of which remained 
for several years unpaid. 

The whole cost of the Church property has been less than 
$30,000. According to present values of real estate it may 
now be estimated at nearly double that sum. 

The Church, in the twenty-five years of its existence, has 
experienced much prosperity, and has also passed through 
seasons of adversity and trial. In several instances its num- 
bers have been diminished by withdrawals to form new interests. 
The first of these occurred in 1853, when a number went out 
peaceably to form the Fourth Church. The second was in 
1857, when, in accordance with the advice and under the 
encouragement of the Church, a small band departed to form 
the Island Church. The third and most considerable with- 
drawal took place in May, 1862, when more than one-third of 
the active and efficient members went out and formed the Cal- 
vary Church. 

This occurrence was almost immediately followed by an 
incident which operated greatly to the detriment of the Church, 
in its then weakened condition. The Church edifice, which 
had a short time previous been improved and refitted, was, 
with several other churches of the city, taken possession of 
by the Government, and was for six months used as an army 
hospital. 

The Church was now much reduced in strength, and heavily 
encumbered with debts incurred for the recent improvements 
and was alike destitute of a pastor and of a place of worship. 
As a necessary result, the congregation and Sunday School 
were for the most part dispersed ; and, for the time, must have 
been entirely so, but for the liberality of Brother Z. Richards, 
upon whose invitation the remnant that could be gathered at 
a point so remote occupied for their meetings his Academy 
building on Fourteenth street. 

During this time, and for a whole year, they were acceptably 
supplied with preaching and pastoral labors by Rev. S. M. 
Shute, of the College, whose services were highly appreciated 
by the Church. 

Upon being permitted, in December, 1862, to reoccupy the 
Church edifice, recuperation commenced, both of the congre- 
gation and Sunday School, and strenuous exertions were made 



22 BAPTIST HISTORY. 

to -maintain and " strengthen the things^ that remained," 
which, under God's blessing, have been in a good measure 
successful. 

In March, 1863, the present pastor, Rev. E. H. Gray, D. D., 
accepted the charge of the Church, and entered upon his duties. 
During his ministry much has been accomplished, many addi- 
tions have been made to the Church and Sunday School, and 
the burdensome debt upon the Church property has been 
entirely discharged. 

In 1863, a member was excluded for having taken up arms 
in aid of the rebellion. The memory of another was recorded 
with honor, as having fallen upon the field of conflict, in defence 
of the Government. 

In 1846, Rev. T. W. Tobey, a member, was ordained by the 
Church as Missionary to China. 

The Church also caused to be ordained to the sacred office 
A. J. Huntington, in 1849, and Luther R. Gwaltney, in 1855. 

In 1856, the Church gave encouragement toward the Chris- 
tian ministry to three of its members, viz, C. C. Meador, J. Y. 
Iddins, and L. D. Gowen. 

The Church is connected with the Maryland Baptist Union 
Association, having united with it in 1842. 

In the year 1843, the number of baptisms was one hundred 
and twenty-eight, since which time the years of the largest 
increase have been 1851, 1854, 1858, and 1865. 

The names of nearly 850 persons appear on the register 
as having been members of the Church. The number at 
present is 274. 

The Sunday School was commenced with the beginning of 
the enterprise, w T ith five teachers and seven scholars. It 
steadily increased in numbers and efficiency, and its mainten- 
ance has always been a prominent object. From its successive 
classes, many have been gathered into the Church, who, in 
their turn, have become laborers in the Master's vineyard. 
The present number of officers and teachers is twenty-two, 
scholars two hundred and thirty-five. 



FOURTH CHURCH. 

In 1853, a number of brethren, principally from E Street 
Church, became associated under Rev. T. C. Teasdale, for the 
purpose of forming a new interest. They were so far success- 
ful as to increase to a considerable Church and congregation, 
and to erect a commodious house of worship on Thirteenth 
street. 

In 1859, under the ministry, and mainly through the exer- 
tions of their then pastor, Rev. Isaac Cole, this interest united 
with and became merged in the First Baptist Church, which 
body at that time removed to Thirteenth street, from their 
location on Tenth street. 

Thus terminated the separate existence of the new interest, 
which had become embarrased with pecuniary difficulties. 



ISLAND CHURCH. 



That portion of Washington lying between the canal and 
the river, and known as the Island, although possessing at 
that time a considerable population, was nearly destitute of 
Churches or Sunday Schools up to the year 1850. A number 
of the members of E Street Church residing there, their pastor, 
Dr. Samson, with others of the Church, made many visits to 
them, and established and long maintained prayer meetings 
at private houses. These measures were sooner or later 
imitated by Christians of different denominations, and led to 
the erection of Churches and opening of Sunday Schools. 

The pastor of the E Street Church regularly visited the 
people of the Island when there was scarcely another minister 
amongst them. 

In 1843, a most interesting prayer meeting was commenced 
at Mrs. Drummond's, and continued for years, where the spirit 
of revival often prevailed, and many were led to the Church. 

In 1855, a Mission was established on the Island by the 
E Street Church. A room in a public hall was rented, and 
regular meetings and Sunday School were established, which 
were sustained principally by members of the E Street Church. 

In 1856 the work was prosecuted with renewed energy. C. 
C. Meador was relied upon to sustain the religious meetings. 
He was occasionally assisted by other ministering brethren of 



24 BAPTIST HISTORY. 

E Street Church, among whom were Rev. S. H. Myrick, and 
Professor Huntington. 

The Sunday School in a short time became large and suc- 
cessful, and has constantly so continued. 

In July, 1857, under the sanction of the E Street Church, 
this mission was constituted and formally recognized as the 
Island Baptist Church, with twenty-four constituent members, 
by a council of ministers, consisting of Rev. Dr. Binney, Rev. 
Dr. Samson, and Rev. E. Kincaid, of Burmah. 

Rev. C. C. Meador was chosen pastor, and was ordained in 
September following. His ministry has continued to the 
present time. 

For several years the church continued to receive aid from 
the E Street Church, and also from the Maryland Baptist 
Union Association, with which it is connected. The Church 
has received no aid from any source since 1861, and the 
pastor's labors for several years were without compensation. 

In 1858, a purchase was made by the Church of the meeting- 
house formerly occupied by the Old School Baptist Church, 
on Virginia Avenue, which the Church continues to occupy, 
although it is now insufficient for their proper accommodation. 

The history of the Church, although comparatively short, 
includes some reverses and trials, through which it has, how- 
ever, happily passed, and now looks forward to anticipated 
prosperity. 

The Church has recently experienced a most extraordinary 
manifestation of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. 
In October last, a revival of religion commenced in the Church, 
which led to a long-continued series of daily meetings, during 
which over one hundred and fifty persons professed conversion, 
one hundred and twenty-four of whom have united with the 
Church by baptism. Present number of members, two hun- 
dred and twenty-nine; Sunday School officers and teachers, 
twenty-two ; Sunday School scholars, one hundred and seventy. 



CALVARY CHURCH. 

On the 28th of May, 1862, a number of persons assembled 
at the residence of Deacon C. S. Butts, and, after a free and 
full discussion, agreed to form themselves into a Baptist 
Church, and adjourned to meet on the 2d of June for that 
purpose. 

On that day several brethren and sisters, members of differ- 
ent Baptist Churches, met pursuant to adjournment, and consti- 
tuted a Church, under the name of the "Sixth Baptist Church 
of Washington;" adopting the views of doctrine expressed in 
what are known as the "New Hampshire Articles of Faith." 

The Church and congregation form a society in which mem- 
bers of the congregation are admitted to the right of voting 
on temporal matters, and of holding certain offices connected 
with the congregation. 

At this meeting Rev. J. S. Kennard was unanimously 
elected as Pastor. He consented to act as such temporarily, 
and did so until October, 1862. After that period temporary 
supplies were procured until February, 1863. 

On the 11th of September, 1862, the name was changed to 
the "Calvary Baptist Church of Washington." 

On the 24th of September, 1862, the Church was recog- 
nized by a Council composed of the following delegates: 

From the First Baptist Church of Washington, Rev. G. W. 
Samson, D D., and Deacon J. C. Lewis. 

From the Navy Yard Baptist Church of Washington, Breth- 
ren G. F. Gulick and H. E. Marks. 

From the Island Baptist Church of Washington, Rev. C. C. 
Meador and Deacon G. M. Kendall. 

From the Fourth Baptist Church of Philadelphia, Rev. R. 
Jeffreys, D. D. 

The recognition services in the evening were as follows : 

Reading of Scriptures and Prayer, by Rev. C. C. Meador. 

Sermon, by Rev. R. Jeffreys, D. D. 

Right Hand of Fellowship, by Rev. G. W. Samson, D. D. 

Prayer, by Rev. J. S. Kennard. 

The subject of obtaining a permanent pastor occupied the 
serious attention of the Church on several occasions; and 
finally, at a special meeting held the 8th of January, 1863, 
a unanimous call was extended to the Rev. T. R. Howlett, of 
Trenton, New Jersey. In due time the call was accepted, 
and Mr. Howlett entered upon his pastoral duties in February, 
1863. 

Prior to that period the meetings had been held in Temper- 



26 BAPTIST HISTORY. 

ance Hall, and the prayer-meetings in private houses; but, 
about that time, the hall in the building now known as the 
Columbian College Law Building, having been rented for the 
exclusive use of the Church and congregation, was used for 
all their meetings, and also for the Sabbath School, until their 
entrance into their present house of worship. 

For a long time the subject of building a house of worship 
was considered, and finally a lot was selected at the southeast 
corner of Eighth and H street, and on the 6th of September, 
1864, the corner stone was laid with appropriate services. 

On the first Sabbath in December, 1865, the lecture room 
was entered and occupied as a place of worship until the com- 
pletion of the building. 

On the first Sabbath of June, 1866, the building was dedi- 
cated to the service of the Lord. The sermon in the morning 
was delivered by the Rev. George Dana Boardman, D. D., Pas- 
tor of the First Baptist Church of Philadelphia, the dedica- 
tory prayer being made by the Pastor of the Church. At night 
a sermon was preached by the Rev. Thomas D. Anderson, D. 
D., Pastor of the First Baptist Church of New York. 

The Church edifice was erected and furnished at a cost of 
$115,000, by *far the larger part of which was contributed by 
the Hon. Amos Kendall, the senior deacon of the Church. At 
the time of the dedication the building and furniture were 
paid for, and there was no debt upon the Church. 

The Church is now in a prosperous condition. We have 
had several seasons of refreshing, when the presence of the 
Holy Spirit was manifested with power in our midst, and a 
number, chiefly from the Sabbath School, were added to our 
membership. 

The constituent members of the Church were thirty-five in 
number. Up to the present time (April 16, 1867) there have 
been two hundred and thirty-seven members, of whom seventy- 
four were received by baptism. Our present membership, after 
deducting those who have died and those who have been dis- 
missed to unite with other churches, is two hundred and ten. 

The Sabbath-School is at the present time very prosperous, 
the number of teachers and officers being fifty, and the scholars 
about five hundred. 

There is also a Mission Sabbath School, with an average 
attendance of about one hundred and thirty, carried on in a 
destitute portion of the city, under the auspices of the Young 
People's Union, of the Church. 



COLORED PEOPLE'S CHURCHES. 

Although there will be found amongst the membership of 
nearly all of our Baptist Churches a small number of colored 
persons, yet for the most part they prefer to connect themselves 
with their own organizations. 

Owing to the recent large increase of the colored population 
of this city, their Churches which had previously existed have 
received many accessions to their numbers, and four additional 
Baptist Churches have been organized amongst them within 
the last four years. 

The colored Baptists of Washington have at the present time 
seven Churches, regularly constituted and recognized as such, 
as follows: 

First Church, located at the corner of I and Nineteenth 
streets; G-. W. Anderson, pastor; constituted in 1839; mem- 
bers, six hundred and fifteen. Sunday School, twenty-six offi- 
cers and teachers, and one hundred and seventy-six scholars. 
Mission School, twenty-three officers and teachers, and one 
hundred and fifty-five scholars. 

Second Church, on Third street, between H and I streets 
north; constituted in 1849; members, three hundred and thirty. 
Sunday School, officers and teachers, eleven; scholars, forty. 

Third Church, corneY of Fourth and L streets north ; Albert 
Bouldin, pastor; constituted in 1858; members, seven hun- 
dred and eighty-two. Sunday School, officers and teachers, 
twelve; scholars, one hundred. Mission School, sixty scholars.. 

Shiloh Church, on L street north, between sixteenth and Sev- 
enteenth ; constituted in 1863; W. T. Walker, pastor; mem- 
bers, two hundred and forty-three. Sunday School, officers 
and teachers, nine; scholars, one hundred and thirty-four. 

First Island Church, corner of Sixth and G streets south; 
W. H. Lee, pastor; constituted in 1863; members, two hun- 
dred and sixty. Sunday School, officers and teachers, five; 
scholars, forty. 

Enon Church, on Fourth street, near Navy Yard; M. V. 
Wright, pastor; constituted in 1865; members, one hundred 
and fifty. Sunday School, officers and teachers, four; scholars, 
forty-eight. 

Fifth Church, on Vermont avenue; John Brooks, pastor; 
constituted in 1866; members, five hundred and forty-five. 
Mission Sunday School, officers and teachers, five; scholars, 
sixty-five. 

In the southern part of the city another body is associated, 



28 BAPTIST HISTORY. 

and hold regular services, who expect within a short time to 
be recognized as an additional Church. 

With one or two exceptions the meeting-houses of these 
Churches are small and indifferent, and entirely inadequate to 
the accommodation of the large numbers of persons who desire 
to attend them. The Christian or the philanthropist who has 
means at his command will not readily find a call for his aid 
more worthy and promising more certain and speedy fruitf ill- 
ness than would result from assistance afforded to these breth- 
ren in enabling them to extend and improve their houses of 
worship. 



COLUMBIAN COLLEGE. 

As connected with the Baptist history of Washington, the 
Columbian College claims especial notice. This institution, 
devoted to learning and science, as well as to theological 
instruction, although by the terms of its charter and in the 
administration of its affairs, it is by no means sectarian, is 
indebted for its origin, and in great measure for its support, 
to men connected with the Baptist denomination. Though 
originating with Baptists, no idea -was entertained from the 
first that any other than the true theory of that denomination, 
the right and duty of independent study, and conscientious fol- 
lowing of God's word could ever rule within its walls. Hence, 
at its very inception, men of every hue of religious opinion, 
both in America and in England, expressed their confidence 
and interest in its success. 

The College arose to supply a necessity of the time, that of 
providing for an educated Baptist ministry, the demand for 
which had become apparent. 

In 1814 only two public literary institutions especially con- 
nected with the denomination were in operation in the country, 
namely, Brown University in Rhode Island, and Pierce Acad- 
emy in Massachusetts. About that time the attention of various 
bodies of Christians was directed to the subject of advancement 
in the education of candidates for the ministry. The minds 
of many Baptists became directed to the subject, as the num- 
ber of their educated ministers was extremely small. 

Amongst several similar institutions established about this 
time, the Columbian College was brought into existence. 

For a large proportion of the effort and labor which led to 



COLUMBIAN COLLEGE. 29 

its organization, the College is indebted to Rev. Luther Rice. 
His labors during his tours throughout the country, commenc- 
ing in 1813, for awakening an interest in missionary efforts, 
contributed materially towards an educational movement. As 
he observed almost everywhere the need of increased mental 
culture in the ministry, he made the subject, as well as mis- 
sions, a topic of conversation. In his mind they were insepa- 
rably connected. The time had passed by when those who 
filled the positions of public teachers could expect to gain the 
ear of the community without intelligence and education. This 
was seen by Mr. Rice, and he was moved to attempt an improve- 
ment; and it cannot be doubted, says his biographer, that to 
him more than to any other man, may be attributed the 
change, in this respect, which has been effected in our denomi- 
nation. 

At an early period of Mr. Rice's efforts to promote the cause 
of education, a school was opened in Philadelphia, under the 
care of Rev. Dr. Staughton and Rev. Ira. Chase, and was con- 
nected with the Board of Missions. In 1820, the students for 
the ministry in attendance had increased to eighteen. 

Such was the success of these incipient measures, and such 
the encouragement furnished by the Churches, that it was 
deemed expedient to attempt the origination of a College at 
some central point, from which a beneficial influence might go 
forth to every part of the land. In looking around for a suit- 
able location, many interested in the object were impressed 
with the belief that none more eligible could be found than 
the city of Washington. 

It was at first proposed to locate the institution within the 
city, and with this view a purchase of improved property was 
made on Greenleaf's Point, near the Arsenal. 

The present site of the college was selected and purchased 
in 1819, with means obtained through the efforts of Rev. Luther 
Rice, Rev. 0. B. Brown, Rev. S. H. Cone, and Enoch Rey- 
nolds, Esq. The purchase money was §6,000 for the forty-six 
and a half acres of land. The purchase was made, as Mr. Rice 
reported to the Triennial Convention, at their meeting in 
1820, to be presented to that body, "to promote the educa- 
tion of the ministry, and ultimately for the formation of a 
college, under the direction of the Baptist General Conven- 
tion." 

The Convention was so favorably impressed with the project 
of locating an institution at Washington, that, to enable them 
to embrace it in their operations, they proceeded to adapt their 



30 BAPTIST HISTORY. 

constitution to the undertaking, and passed resolutions accept- 
ing the proposed site. 

The managers of the Convention proceeded at once to carry 
out their instructions, by the erection of a college-building 
one hundred and seventeen feet in length and forty-seven feet 
in breadth, containing accommodations for one hundred stu- 
dents, and costing over $30,000. They caused also to be 
erected dwelling-houses for professors. 

It may be here stated that the plan on which the improve- 
ments were commenced has never been completed. Had the 
institution gone forward according fo the sanguine expecta- 
tions of its friends, several additional buildings, on an enlarged 
scale, would have been erected, which were intended to be 
located near the southern boundary of the lot, and to exhibit 
the best possible view from every direction. 

In February, 1821, a charter for tlte College was obtained 
from Congress, with full powers to create a Faculty in Law, 
Divinity, and Medicine, as well as to provide for the ordinary 
branches of collegiate study. The institution in Philadelphia 
was removed to Washington in the autumn of that year, to 
form the theological department of the college, with Professor 
Chase and eight students. 

The first President of the College was Rev. Wm. Staughton, 
D. D., the eminently popular preacher and theological teacher, 
of Philadelphia.. Associated with him during the first six 
years of its history were Ira Chase, D. D., afterwards founder 
of the Theological Institution at Newton, Mass.; Samuel Waite, 
the founder of Wake Forest College, North Carolina; Rufus 
Babcock and Robert E. Pattison, both afterwards Presidents 
of Waterville College, Maine; Alexis Caswell, subsequently 
connected with Brown University, Rhode Island; James D. 
Knowles and Thomas J. Conant, both eminent as scholars and 
authors ; and Wm. Ruggles, LL. D., the present revered and able 
senior professor of the College. Among the early graduates are 
found men who have since graced the pulpit, the bar, and the 
forum, in every city from Boston to New Orleans. 

The regular College exercises were commenced in January, 
1822, under the direction of an able Faculty. Mr. Rice was 
appointed agent and treasurer, and the prospects of the insti- 
tution were for two or three years truly flattering. 

The rapid rise of the College was doubtless in great measure 
due to the personal influence of the leading men engaged in 
conducting its affairs. 

The first President of the College, Dr. Staughton, was a 
man of great force of character, of commanding presence and 



COLUMBIAN COLLEGE.' 31 

manner, and of pleasing address. He possessed also unusual 
oratorical and persuasive powers. His biographer says of 
him : "His mind seemed to be prepared for every emergency. 
His taste was of the highest and most delicate order ; his in- 
vention was rich, and his imagination of the finest brilliancy. 
Few men have been endowed with a memory so retentive, and 
at the same time with a judgment so profound. Of others, 
who have gained the summit of eminence, it may be said they 
lived in the closet. Dr. Staughton lived in the field. Action 
was his motto, and his success proved how strictly he main- 
tained it." In reference to Dr. Staughton, another says : " He 
was athletic, and fitted to command attention. His voice was 
strong and musical. In eloquence he had no superior. He 
was never at fault in a figure. In preaching he never used a 
word too much or too little, and scarcely ever wrote a sermon. 
He was seldom equalled — never excelled." 

A Senator of the United States said "he would travel six 
miles on foot to hear Dr. Staughton preach." "His voice," 
he said, "was melodious. He was wonderful in reading a 
hymn. Every word uttered, in his silvery tones, was distinctly 
heard, whether he addressed an audience of fifty or of ten 
thousand." 

An instance of his facility of adaptation occurred when, in 
1826, upon the occasion of the simultaneous decease of Ex- 
Presidents Adams and Jefferson, being Chaplain to Congress, 
and preaching at the Capitol, by special appointment, a memo- 
rial discourse, he used as his text the declaration of David in 
reference to Saul and Jonathan, "Lovely and pleasant were 
they in their lives, and in their death they were not divided." 

Luther Rice was also a remarkable man ; tall, nervous, 
anxious, often over sanguine ; but his zeal and courage never 
faltered. If he failed, it was not for want of proper exertions. 
On a public occasion, in a controversy concerning the College 
he was treated with severe rebuke. He arose and said : "By 
the grace of God, I came into the world, and by the grace of 
God I expect to go out of it," and he proceeded in a speech 
of an hour, carrying down all opposition, and justifying him- 
self in a manner such as no one at the beginning of his speech 
supposed possible. 

Besides the devotion of Mr. Rice to the cause of missions 
and of ministerial education, there was yet another object that 
lay near his heart, and was not forgotten either in his conver- 
sations or in his prayers. This was the revival of religion 
within the District of Columbia, particularly in the city of 
Washington, and especially amongst the officers of Govern- 



32 BAPTIST HISTORY. 

ment. He had travelled much, and was an attentive observer 
of men and things, and had not failed to notice the immense 
influence which the metropolis, and particularly the officers of 
Government, were exerting throughout the length and breadth 
of the land. He longed to see this influence exerted in favor- 
ing the advancement of God's glory and the salvation of men. 
In one of his letters to a friend, as found in his Memoir, he 
remarks: "In very intimate connection with the College, I 
am exceedingly anxious to see something done touching the 
building up of the Baptist interest in Washington and George- 
town. This appears quite indispensable to the welfare and 
beneficial influence of the College. My mind is much on the 
subject, and particularly with reference to the idea of attempt- 
ing something there myself. Do let us try what can be done 
at Washington, in point of religion. Who can tell if, perad- 
venture, the Lord will approve the effort, and add His effectual 
blessing — 'Beginning at Jerusalem.' I do think we ought to 
strive to build up the cause at Washington." 

Mr. Bice never asked or received any compensation for his 
long services to the College, beyond the means requisite for 
his single support. He died as he. had lived, destitute of 
property, leaving his small amount of personal effects to the 
College. 

Mr. Bice in his labors in founding the College, received 
important aid from Be v. Burgiss Allison, D. D., who was at 
that time residing at W ashington. In the years 1817 to 1821, 
he was Chaplain to the House of Bepresentatives. The act 
incorporating the College, passed Congress while he was chap- 
lain, and mainly through his instrumentality. As a preacher 
Dr. Allison indicated good sense, a thorough knowledge of 
sacred truth, and an evangelical spirit. Dr. Allison taught 
an academy at Bordentown, N. J., for many years. As a 
teacher, he had few superiors. His school was regarded as 
one of the best in the country. Some of the most distin- 
guished men of the Philadelphia Bar were educated by him. 
Dr. Allison had been invited to the presidency of several Col- 
leges. He would have been chosen to the presidency of the 
Columbian College, but for his declining health. He recom- 
mended for that position his intimate friend Dr. Staughton. 

Bev. Obadiah B. Brown was amongst the most active and 
persevering in effecting the preliminary measures which led to 
the organization of the College, as well as in its subsequent 
management. He was intimately associated with Mr. Bice 
and Dr. Staughton. Mr. Brown was a man of strong mental 
powers, and a forcible and persuasive speaker. His connec- 



COLUMBIAN COLLEGE. 33 

tion with the Board of Trustees continued for several years, 
and he was for a part of the time the President of the Board. 

The first Board of Trustees of the College were, Obadiah B. 
Brown, Luther Rice, Enoch Reynolds, Josiah Meigs, Spencer 
H. Cone, Daniel Brown, Return J. Meigs, Joseph Gibson, 
Joseph Cone, Thomas Corcoran, Burgiss Allison, Thomas 
Sewall, and Joseph Thaw, every one of whom it is believed 
has passed from earth. 

The first Faculty consisted of Rev. William Staughton, D. 
D., Rev. Ira Chase, Rev. Alva Woods, Josiah Meigs, Rufus 
Babcock, William Ruggles, and Alexis Caswell. 

When the College was chartered it was regarded with high 
expectation, not only by those more immediately interested in 
its success, and by the community generally, but also by many 
distinguished statesmen and divines, both in this country and 
in England. The then President of the United States, Mr. 
Monroe, expressed in writing his earnest desire that the insti- 
tution might accomplish all the useful purposes for which it 
was organized. 

John Quincy Adams, whilst President of the United States, 
and in subsequent years, was a firm friend of the College, and 
rendered it large pecuniary aid by loan and by gift. 

An early effort made in England to obtain aid for the 
institution was not without fruit. Amongst other contributors 
in that country, is found the honored name of Wm. Wilber- 
force. The enterprise was also commended by Joseph But- 
terworth, John Wilkes, Sir James Mackintosh, Rev. Adam 
Clarke, John Rippon, and others. 

A leading purpose had in view by the founders of the Col- 
lege, as has been stated, was to afford literary and theological 
instruction to students for the Christian ministry, and during 
a number of years much was accomplished in this direction; so 
that it is believed that in every State of the Union may to-day 
be found in the ministry, laborious and highly useful men, 
graduates of the institution, not a few of them successfully 
filling prominent and leading positions. 

Up to the Convention meeting in 1823, the expectations of 
the friends of the College were fully realized. Although at 
that time a large debt had been contracted, a confident belief 
was entertained that it would become all that its warmest sup- 
porters could desire. These hopes, however, were destined to 
disappointment. The number of students being laro-e, and 
continuing to increase, in 1824 the Board undertook further 
large improvements, depending upon anticipated receipts of 



34 BAPTIST HISTORY. 

means, which failed to be realized in sufficient amount. From 
this period the institution began to retrograde. 

At the meeting of the Convention in 1826, it was ascertained 
that the debt had greatly increased. It was then deemed most 
expedient to separate the educational from the missionary 
operations, making the latter a distinct and exclusive object, 
to which the Convention should lend its efforts. Over the 
College the Convention was to have no further control, ex- 
cept to nominate persons from among whom the Board of 
Trustees were to be chosen. These nominations the Conven- 
tion continued to make triennially until the dissolution of 
that body in 1847. 

The dissatisfaction existing between various persons con- 
nected with the institution continued to increase, until, in 
1827, it resulted in the resignation of the Faculty and part of 
the Board of Trustees. Others were appointed in their places, 
and to satisfy those who cast censure upon Mr. Rice, he con- 
sented to resign as agent and treasurer. Rev. Elon Gralusha 
was appointed temporarily to fill these offices. Rev. R. B. 
Semple was appointed president of the board and general 
a^ent. Mr. Rice continued to collect funds as assistant agent. 

Mr. Galusha, Mr. Ball, and Mr. Clopton, succeeded in ob- 
taining the sum of $30,000, mostly in New York and the 
Southern States. In 1831, Mr. Semple died. The Rev. Abner 
W. Clopton consented to assume the management of the pecu- 
niary affairs of the institution, and to attempt its final re- 
lease from embarrassment. But soon after entering upon the 
work, with much promise of success, he also was removed by 
death. This series of disappointments in regard to the Col- 
lege discouraged many hearts; but Mr. Rice still retained his 
confidence in its ultimate rescue. 

In consequence of the pecuniary difficulties, in 1827, the 
College exercises were suspended, and the students dispersed. 
In 1828, the Rev. Stephen Chapin, D. D., accepted the presi- 
dency, and the exercises were resumed. 

In 1842, through the liberality of contributors and abate- 
ments hj creditors, the obligations were entirely cancelled, and 
since that time the institution has remained free from debt. 

The presiding heads of the College have been Wm. Staugh- 
ton, D, D., from 1822 to 1827; Stephen Chapin, D. D., from 
1828 to 1841; J. S. Bacon, D. D., from 1843 to 1854; J. G. 
Binney, D. D., from 1855 to 1858; and the present incum- 
bent, Rev. G. W. Samson, D. D., from 1859. The present 
Faculty, consisting of six professors in addition to the presi- 
dent, are a complete corps of instruction. The courses of 



COLUMBIAN COLLEGE. 35 

study embrace three years in the Preparatory Department, 
the College classical course of four years, Scientific course of 
three years, and an advanced course for graduates of the first 
degree, occupying one or two years. 

The most efficient agents, after Luther Rice, have been Rev. 
A. Woods, 1822-3; Rev. E. Galusha, 1826-7; Rev. Dr. Sem- 
ple, 1827-33; Rev. Dr. Sherwood, 1836-40; Rev. A. M. Poin- 
dexter, D. D., 1847-9: and Rev. Wm. F. Broaddus, D. D., 
1851-2. The most liberal individual patron has been John 
Withers, of Alexandria, whose gifts and legacy have amounted 
to about $70,000. The only aid from public sources ever re- 
ceived has been a grant of $25,000 in city lots, made by Con- 
gress in 1832, during the presidency of Andrew Jackson. 

The Medical Department of the College was organized in 
1822, the respective chairs of which have from time to time 
been filled by men of learning and eminence. This Depart- 
ment now occupies the spacious building on H street, the re- 
cent generous gift of W. W. Corcoran, Esq. 

The first Medical Faculty consisted of Drs. Thos. Sewall, 
James M. Staughton, and Elijah R. Craven. 

The Law Department was organized in 1826; Wm. Cranch, 
LL. D., and William T. Carroll, Esq., being its first profes- 
sors. Discontinued on account of the embarrassments of the 
College, the earnestly expressed wish for its revival led to its 
re-establishment in 1865. The peculiar facilities for law stu- 
dents at the seat of Government, the various courts here held, 
and the unrivalled laiv library of Congress, accessible six hours 
every day to the public, form a combination of attractions to 
the thorough student. The school numbered the past year 
nearly two hundred students. It is conducted in the College 
Law Building, on Fifth street. 

Several of our Churches and Sunday Schools have received 
much efficient aid from the labors of pious young men whilst 
connected with the College. In former years it was a common 
practice with them also to hold stated religious meetings in 
the neighborhood surrounding the College, by which means 
many families, otherwise destitute, were favored with religious 
privileges. 

The catalogue of the College for the present year embraces, 
in its several departments, the large number of twenty-six in- 
structors, and four hundred and thirty-nine students. 

Whilst during the war the principal buildings and grounds 
were, for a long time, occupied by the Government for hos- 
pital and camp purposes, the collegiate exercises were prose- 
cuted without interruption. 



36 BAPTIST HISTORY. 

The increased facilities for reaching College Hill, by rail- 
way, operate much to the advantage of the Institution, as 
well as greatly to enhance the value of its many acres of land, 
■which, with other properties and improvements, may now be 
estimated at a value sufficient to afford, within a few years, a 
large permanent income. 

It is no disparagement to his honored predecessors to say 
that the more recent progress and prosperity, which the Col- 
lege has experienced, is in no inconsiderable degree due to 
Dr. Samson's energy and perseverance, in connection with his 
varied acquirements and qualifications, for his high position. 

This brief history of the College cannot, with justice, be 
closed without allusion to an honored name, which appears as 
connected with the first corps of instructors, and which is 
found upon every succeeding annual catalogue down to the 
present day. The senior professor, Dr. William Ruggles, 
alone, of all his early compeers, yet retains his position, so 
long and so worthily filled. Through every vicissitude of the 
Institution he has remained at his post, declining all solicita- 
tions to enter other positions. When circumstances called for 
pecuniary sacrifices they have always been promptly and cheer- 
fully made by him, as well for the College as for religious and 
benevolent purposes. In reference to him the kindest recol- 
lections are cherished by every one of the many students and 
others who have resided on College Hill. 

Of the many names of generous and liberal friends of the 
Institution, who have rendered it material aid and encourage- 
ment, that of the late John Withers, one of its trustees, deserves 
especial mention. Although in his declining years he experi- 
enced great pecuniary reverse, he did not forget the College, 
and in life's close made large additions to his liberal benefac- 
tions previously bestowed in its aid. His last days were passed 
on College Hill, and his remains lie entombed within its grounds. 

[Note. — Since the public reading of this paper, the College 
has sustained the loss of a most valued friend and officer, by 
the decease of Colonel James L. Edwards, who for more than 
thirty-four consecutive years had presided in the Board of 
Trustees. His devotion to the interests of the institution 
was constantly manifested during this long service, by his 
unremitting attention to the duties pertaining to the office; 
his place at the Board being always filled when practicable. 
In his departure, not only the College, but also the interests 
of religion and benevolence, have suffered the deprivation of 
an ever-ready and active laborer.] 



NATIONAL THEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE. 

The era of freedom which has so recently opened, has cre- 
ated a new demand for education and for religious instruction, 
which are now required by a numerous class in our midst, 
which has hitherto been suffered to remain in bondage and 
ignorance; who, now freed and disenthralled, are thirsting for 
enlightenment and mental culture, and who, for these desired 
privileges and advantages, are looking mainly to our denomi- 
nation. 

In making preparation to meet this momentous emergency 
many Baptists of Washington have been amongst the fore- 
most in uniting with their brethren elsewhere, and through 
their combined instrumentality important ends are already 
attained, and great good is being accomplished, especially in 
preparing a portion of the young men of this class for the 
Christian ministry. 

On the 1st of February, 1865, a meeting of Baptist brethren 
was held at the First Baptist Church, at the instance of Rev. 
Dr. Turney, who had come to Washington having in view the 
establishment of schools where colored men in the ministry, 
or preparing for that service, might enjoy educational advan- 
tages suited to the nature of their work. He had already 
received the names of more than twenty in this city who de- 
sired to enter such an institution. An equal number residing 
in Alexandria desired that a similar school should be opened 
in that place. The brethren manifested a readiness to enter 
upon the work and appointed a committee to report upon a 
plan of organization. At a subsequent meeting a society 
was organized, a constitution adopted, and Dr. Turney was 
appointed Corresponding Secretary. The names of Rev. Drs. 
Samson, Gray, Gillette, and other members of our churches, 
appear as being participants in the movement. 

By the terms of the organization, whilst its seat is located 
in Washington, its operations may also be extended to neigh- 
boring States. 

The address sent forth by the Executive Committee says: 
"It is a work which pre-eminently touches the very springs 
of influence, by which, if rightly directed, the colored people 
of this country must, more than by any other instrumentality, 
become both religiously and intellectually improved and ele- 
vated, and prepared for the full enjoyment of the rights and 
privileges which not only pertain to the relations of a common 
manhood, but which they, in their changed condition, will be 
4 



38 BAPTIST HISTORY. 

required to exercise for themselves, as members of Christian 
churches." 

In the formation of the Association, its members sought to 
meet a responsibility which seemed obviously thrown upon 
them in the providence of God, and subsequent events have 
shown that the movement was not premature. 

In his recent report, the Secretary says: "Thirty-two dis- 
tinct schools have been organized in connection with the 
Institute since the commencement of the enterprise. Imme- 
diately connected with these schools, in as many as six States 
of the Union and the District of Columbia, are more than five 
hundred and fifty brethren, giving promise of usefulness in 
the Church of Christ; while the whole number of Christian 
men who have in various ways been brought directly into con- 
tact with the educational influences connected with these 
schools, is not less than five thousand. Upon this mass of 
mind a most favorable positive educational influence has been 
immediately exerted." 

During, the last session of Congress the charter of the 
Institute was so amended as to confer upon it the privileges 
and powers of a university. The very liberal sum of $10,000 
has lately been donated by Major General 0. O. Howard for 
the purposes of the Institution. It is now, and will continue 
to be, under the control of Baptists. 



GEORGETOWN CHURCH. 



At the time of the preparation and public reading of these 
sketches, the Georgetown Church, being in its infancy, was 
not deemed a subject of history. Since that time it has made 
rapid advances towards a condition of permanency, and de- 
serves a place in the company of its sister churches. 

Until the present time this almost ancient town, dating 
back to the year 1751, has not contained a living Baptist 
Church. About the year 1840, an effort was made to form a 
Baptist Church in the town. An organization was effected, 
and meetings were held during several months; but, owing to 
the small number of persons interested, and the deficiency of 
means, the undertaking was abandoned. 

The members of the denomination residing in the place de- 
sired that an effort should be made to establish stated religious 



GEORGETOWN CHURCH. 39 

services; and in the winter of 1865-6 they held a series of 
meetings in the chapel on Market street, the use of which was 
kindly granted by the Bridge Street Presbyterian Church. 
The services were conducted principally by Rev. S. R. White, 
of Rockville. By means of these meetings a nucleus was 
formed, around which the resident members of the denomina- 
tion were gathered. 

In the beginning of the year 1866, under the auspices of the 
Executive Board of the Maryland Baptist Union Association, 
the Rev. James Nelson entered upon an effort to promote the 
proposed enterprise. A Sunday School was organized, and 
regular meetings were held, until, having enlisted some nine 
or ten members in the work, at a meeting held on the 19th of 
June, 1866> it was resolved to organize a Church. 

Accordingly a Council of Delegates from the neighboring 
churches was called, which approved of the action of the 
Church, and soon after publicly recognized them as an inde- 
pendent Baptist Church. 

The sermon on the occasion was preached by Rev. Dr. Sam- 
son. The Rev. J. Berg, of Baltimore, Rev. Dr. Gillette, Rev. 

C. C. Meador, and Rev. J. Bray, of Washington, and Rev. S. 
R. White, of Rockville, participating in the services. 

The Church extended a unanimous call to Rev. James Nel- 
son to become their pastor, which was accepted. In a few 
months the membership had doubled in numbers, and the 
success of the enterprise became assured. 

In the autumn of 1866 measures were entered upon to pro- 
vide a house of worship. Many citizens of the town contrib- 
uted liberally; and further aid obtained in Washington and 
Baltimore encouraged the Church to proceed with the building. 
A building committee was appointed, and a most eligible lot 
was secured, at the intersection of Congress and Gay streets. 

On the 22d of August, 1867, the corner-stone of + he build- 
ing was laid, with Masonic ceremonies. The religious services 
were participated in by Rev. Franklin Wilson, D. D., Rev. A. 

D. Gillette, D. D., Rev. T. R. Howlett, and Rev. James Nel- 
son, pastor. 

The church edifice is in rapid course of erection. The pres- 
ent number of members is thirty-four. 



CONCLUSION. 

He who, upon a future occasion — it may be a quarter of a 
century hence — shall resume and continue the Baptist history of 
Washington, will, it may be anticipated, find a greatly extended 
field for his inquiry and research, when our churches shall be 
largely multiplied in number and increased in power. Without 
continued exertions and faithfulness on the part of the mem- 
bers of our churches, this result cannot be expected ; but with 
these essential elements of success, united with true piety and 
devotion to the Master's service, the most enlarged anticipa- 
tions of progress may be realized. To whom shall the church 
and the world look for aid in bringing about a result so de- 
sirable? Not to those now in mature life, whose energies are 
fast declining, and whose places must soon become vacant, but 
to those who are in life's strength and vigor, to the youth, and 
to the children whose privilege it is to be found within the fold 
of Christ, or near the door of the sanctuary, into which they 
may at any time enter. Upon these classes alone can depend- 
ence be placed, as instruments in the hands of the Lord, that 
by and through them His visible church 'may be maintained 
and officered, and the sacred desk continue to be supplied with 
a living ministry. 

If, in the conclusion of this paper, an exhortation were 
admissible, it would be given to the youth of both sexes, and 
to the young men, in these words : Realize your exalted privi- 
leges, and the high responsibilities from which you cannot 
escape, and be faithful to the trust which in so great a measure 
is already in your hands. 



ADDENDA. 



Religious Periodicals. 

In 1819 a religious newspaper, called "The Columbian Star" 
was commenced in Washington, in the interest of the Baptists. 
Its publication was continued for several years; it was, a 
part of the time, edited by Rev. Baron Stow and Rev. J. D. 
Knowles, who were then connected with the College. 

About the same date was also commenced, and for a con- 
siderable time continued, a monthly missionary journal, called 
the '"''Latter Day Luminary." It was edited principally by 
Rev. Dr. Staughton, then President of the College. 



Baptist General Convention. 

The only meeting which the Baptist General Triennial Con- 
vention at any time held in Washington was with the First 
Church, in May, 1823, when were assembled nearly all of the 
most prominent Baptist ministers of the United States. Their 
meeting-house not being centrally located, nor sufficiently 
large, the Presbyterian Church on F street, now Willard's 
Hall, was kindly offered, through its Pastor, Rev. Dr. Laurie, 
and was occupied by the Convention for a portion of its 
meetings. 

In this assemblage were many ministers of beloved and 
cherished memory, now no more. But who that ever knew 
them can forget such sterling men as Staughton, Furman, 
Sharp, Bolles, Cone, Baldwin, Stillman, Johnson, Gano, Ga- 
lusha, Sherwood, Crane, Bryce, Rogers, Allison, Semple, 
White. 

On this occasion was also present, and a centre of attraction 
and interest, that superior woman, wife, mother, and Christian 



42 BAPTIST HISTORY. 

missionary, Ann Hasseltine Judson, having then, for a brief 
season, returned from Burmah. 

Upon closing their business the Convention made a formal 
visit to President Monroe, at his mansion. They also pro- 
ceeded in a body to Mount Vernon, and held religious services 
at the tomb of Washington. 



Publication Society. 

The American Baptist Publication Society, which for more 
than a generation past has been scattering the health-bearing 
leaves for the healing of the nations, having extended its rich 
blessings to distant lands, had but a very humble and unob- 
trusive origin. Forty-five years since there were two noble 
young men, chums and true yoke-fellows, domiciled in Colum- 
bian College. They were not class-mates — one Oeing a sopho- 
more and the other a freshman — but they were men of mark 
even then. Three years later the one had finished his col- 
lege course, gaining the highest honors, yet still lingering in 
the college halls in the double capacity of tutor and editor of 
the "Columbian Star." The other had left the institution, 
was ordained, married, and settled on the eastern shore of 
Virginia. Early in the year 1824 the latter wrote to the 
former, "I have been thinking for some time how a Tract So- 
ciety can be got up in Washington, which shall hold the same 
place among Baptists that the American Tract Society does 
among Congregationalists. I now feel very much the neces- 
sity of having tracts scattered in waste places. It is a plan 
of doing good scarcely known among Baptists. Washington 
is a suitable place for it. Resources would be obtained from 
auxiliaries and life members in all parts of the country through 
the exertions of agents." The editor inserted this in his 
paper, with approving remarks of his own, and the next week 
appeared another communication favoring the object, and 
still another calling a meeting at the house of Mr. GeOrge 
Wood, for the formation of such a society, and accordingly on 
Wednesday, 25th of March, 1824, the Baptist General Tract 
Society was organized and a constitution adopted, embracing 
provisions for an enlarged range of operations. In less than 
two years, in December, 1826, the society removed the seat 
of its operations to Philadelphia, and made the beloved brother 
Noah Davis, whose hint had led to its formation, its general 



ADDENDA. '" 43 

agent; while the associate of his college days, James D. 
Knowles, was about the same time transferred to the Second 
Baptist Church, Boston, as the successor of Dr. Baldwin. The 
receipts of the Society during the first year were only $373, 
and during the first nine years the annual average was but 
little over $3,000. 

From these feeble beginnings the work gradually extended, 
means accumulated, which led to the printing of books ; and 
about the year 1843 the Society was reorganized under the 
name of the American Baptist Publication and Sunday School 
Society — this last part of the title, for brevity, having since 
been omitted. 






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